Forum Software
At the backbone of many sites across the internet is a very simple program that runs a discussion forum. There are tons of websites that exists solely to allow users to leave comments for each other on a variety of topics. There are many sports forums, computer forums, and so on. Even this site has a simple forum attached as well. You can access it here if you like.
So how hard is it to actually add a forum to an existing website or build a website that consists only of a forum. Its actually extremely easy. The only thing you really need to do is upload the forum software into your public_html folder on your hosting panel if you want just a forum, if you have a site that you want to attach a forum too then all you really need to do is create a folder under your public folder and name it something like “forum”. Sounds tough right. The real problem is picking the right one. Every forum has its own little nuances that you might like or hate. Some are easier to customize, some have better features to custom fit to your needs. Some have almost no features, some cost alot of money and some are free. If you browse around a while though, you are sure to find one that fits your needs.
To make things a little easier, I have compiled a short list of forum software links in the free and paid for categories. Feel free to check them out and see which ones you like.
If you plan on starting a forum and need hosting click here or Here
If you need domain registration click here.
Free:
- Snitz forums
- DNFBB
- Yet Another Forum(YAF)
- Eblah
- ikonboard
- Jforum
- Webbbs
- Poocoo
- YABB
- YazD
- BBpress
- Beehive forum
- FlexBB
- Phorum
- NuclearBB
- phpBB
- punBB
- quicksilver
- simplemachinesforum(SMF)
- tforums
- iceBB
- myBB
- nextBBS
- useBB
- Vanilla
- Vikingboard
Pay Boards
- Active forums
- toastforums
- community server
- Active Data Online discussion board
- Ideal BB
- invision
- vbulletin
- wowBB
- fusetalk
- Jive
- UBB
- MyproBB
- fusionBB
Note: I am not promoting any one board, whats right for me may not be right for you and I have not tested all these boards out myself. Some of the pay boards may also offer free versions and some of the free boards may also offer better pay versions. Just browse around till you find one that you like.
